Watching Killing Them Softly is an experience very similar to watching Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive. They’re both slow and artistic films, relying heavily on visual style. And yet the strength of both films lies as much in the actors’ performances as in their subliminal storytelling. But of course, Killing… has a larger cultural impact, with its underlying political themes of American capitalism. But it’s not spelt out for the audience. To appreciate this film, you either need to know your socio-political culture or you just need to love Brad Pitt too much.

The film is based on a simple story. It deals with a professional enforcer employed by the mob to look into a robbery of a card game. Simply put, some knuckle heads decide to rob gangsters while they’re playing poker. The gangsters get angry and hire a killer to bump the perpetrators off. While these lines sum up the story of the film, they do no justice to what this film stands for. In the opening 15 minutes or so, Killing… builds up an unnerving tense atmosphere where you feel one of the characters is going to get shot. But that doesn’t happen. Not immediately at least. What happens is far more gritty and gory than shooting someone in the head.

Characters take a beating till they cough and / or swallow their teeth. And this visibly graphic side of the film is complemented by its witty dialogue. Imagine two professional killers sharing their personal experiences over a drink, remarking how life is stranger than fiction. Scenes between Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini are reminiscent of the fine writings of John Le Carre in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Killing’s humour is deeply embedded in the rambling dialogue of its characters. It’s very easy to miss. But if you have an ear for detail then you could just find yourself throwing your head back and hitting the guy next to you on the shoulder. And it is this detail that extends to the visuals and settings of the film. Director Andrew Dominik uses clippings of McCain versus Obama debates to reflect upon the America being portrayed in the film. That adds a level of depth to the film that is not necessarily easy to understand.

What is far easier to comprehend and appreciate is the acting. Every actor, starting from Ray Liotta to Gandolfini to Scoot McNairy delivers solid performances. But this is a Brad Pitt show. He is a star, but he is every bit an actor too. The heady mix of style, humour and cynicism makes his character shine. And Pitt makes it look effortlessly cool. He’s not the only reason you should watch this film, but he is the reason you would accept this niche movie.